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Bacterial Infections

Antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

What are Bacterial Infections?

Bacterial infections are caused by harmful bacteria, which are tiny organisms that can reproduce quickly in your body. While many types of bacteria are harmless or even beneficial, some can make you sick by damaging your cells or tissues. Common examples of infectious bacteria include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.

How do Bacterial Infections Spread?

Bacterial infections can spread in several ways. They can be transmitted through droplets from a person who is infected, by touching contaminated surfaces, through cuts or scrapes, from a pregnant parent to their baby, through contaminated food or water, by insect bites, or through sexual contact.

Treatment for Bacterial Infections

Sometimes, your immune system can fight off a bacterial infection on its own. However, when treatment is necessary, antibiotics are typically used. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding treatment.

Preventing Bacterial Infections

You can help prevent bacterial infections by getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, ensuring food safety, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, preventing insect bites, and practicing safe sex. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals is also beneficial.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you have a bacterial infection or if you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Medications used to treat Bacterial Infections

Several classes of medication treat bacterial infections. Which is right depends on your health — that is a decision for you and your provider. Compare prices and coupons on any of them:

Penicillins

Penicillins work by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis and death.

Compare prices: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin Pot Clavulanate

Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins disrupt the formation of the bacterial cell wall, similar to penicillins, making them effective against a broad range of bacteria.

Compare prices: Cefazolin In Sodium Chloride, Ceftriaxone Sodium, Cefepime Hcl

Macrolides

Macrolides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the ribosomal subunit, effectively stopping bacterial growth.

Compare prices: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin

Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, which prevents them from growing and multiplying.

Compare prices: Demeclocycline Hcl, Tetracycline Hcl

Aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides kill bacteria by binding to their ribosomes and disrupting protein synthesis, leading to cell death.

Compare prices: Gentamicin Sulfate, Amikacin Sulfate, Neomycin Bacitracin Zn Polymyx

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Frequently asked questions

What are bacteria?

Bacteria are tiny organisms that have only one cell and can be found almost everywhere on Earth. They can look like balls, rods, or spirals under a microscope.

Can bacterial infections be prevented?

Yes, you can help prevent some bacterial infections by getting vaccines, practicing good hygiene, ensuring food safety, cleaning surfaces, preventing insect bites, and practicing safe sex.

How do bacteria make you sick?

Infectious bacteria can reproduce quickly in your body and may give off toxins that damage your cells or move into and damage your tissues.

What should I do if I think I have a bacterial infection?

If you suspect you have a bacterial infection or are experiencing symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

What are some examples of bacteria that cause infections?

Some examples of bacteria that can cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.

Compare prices for bacterial infections medications

200 medications — select one to compare prices and coupons.

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Condition information adapted from MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Medication list sourced from RxClass (MED-RT, U.S. National Library of Medicine). Inclusion does not imply a medication is right for you.

Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

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